Manitoba s First Impressions Community Exchange

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1 VISITATION TEAM GUIDE Manitoba s First Impressions Community Exchange

3 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction to Manitoba s First Impressions Community Exchange Why First Impressions? Planning for the Visit The Exchange Visit Tips First Impressions Community Exchange Questionnaire 6 1. Name of Community Visited 6 2. List of Team Members 6 3. Before the Visit 7 4. The Five-Minute Impression 8 5. Using Your Senses 8 6. Community Entrances Road/Highway Housing and Residential Areas Education/Health/Social/Emergency Services Local Economy Professional/Commercial and Government Services Public Infrastructure and Planning Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Faith, Entertainment and Recreation Information from Community Residents Wrap-Up Group Questionnaire First Impressions Community Exchange Photo Log Notes 61 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 1

4 2 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

5 1.0 Introduction to Manitoba s First Impressions Community Exchange Thank you for volunteering to be a member of your community s First Impressions Community Exchange Team. Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives is pleased to introduce this effective idea to you and we are confident that your experience will be enlightening, interesting and rewarding. First Impressions Community Exchange helps communities learn about their strengths and weaknesses as seen through the eyes of a first time visitor. Knowing about these strengths and weaknesses helps those who want to be proactive about the growth of their home communities and who want to make them more vibrant places to live and work. It is a program modeled after one originally developed at the University of Wisconsin and since used by hundreds of communities across Canada and the U.S. You and a group of other community volunteers, will be making an anonymous visit to another community in Manitoba that is similar to your home community yet unfamiliar. Your team has agreed to visit this community to provide feedback. Your first impressions will be reported back to the exchange community to help determine their community s strengths, weaknesses, areas of opportunity and ideas for improvement. The exchange community will also gather a group of volunteer who will make a return visit to your community to provide the same service an objective opinion of your community s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. 2.0 Why First Impressions? The First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE) provides an unbiased assessment of a community from volunteers who then receive the same unbiased assessment from the exchange community s volunteers. First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 3

6 The information that you provide and receive will: help identify both positive attributes and weaknesses in the community (Ex: community services, housing, business, industry, customer service, public infrastructure, health care, social services, education) provide a basis for a community vision or plan identify issues needed for downtown revitalization identify tourism strengths and weaknesses provide a sense of how a potential new entrepreneur or business investor might view your community provide information about services and infrastructure available to local businesses assess customer service in the community FICE is meant to serve as a catalyst or spark in a longer strategic economic development planning process. Your community should be willing to respond to some of the recommendations and be open to constructive feedback. 3.0 Planning for the Visit When you visit the exchange community, your group will be completing a questionnaire about various aspects of the other community. You will also take photos to help record some of the key areas of interest. To plan for this visit, your group will meet with the FICE community co-ordinator to review the questionnaire, checklists, maps and trip logistics (approx. two-hour commitment). During these discussions, your group will determine specific responsibilities. The co-ordinator will make the arrangements for the trip to visit your exchange community and will share the details with you. 4 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

7 4.0 The Exchange Visit During the visit to your exchange community, you will tour the community, take photos, interact with people in the community, complete a questionnaire and return it to the co-ordinator. Some of the activities during your visit include: an initial group drive through of the community finding the information you need to answer your pre-assigned questions - as you interact with people in the community, you will play roles (E.g., a new resident, shopper, person considering moving to the area, tourist or someone looking to open a business) - the role you play will depend on the places you visit and the questions you ask (E.g., if you are pretending to be a new resident, you may ask someone on the street about recreational opportunities) be discreet as you record your observations and seek information about the community you visit Once you have completed your assignments, your group will plan a meeting to ensure all questions have been answered and appropriate photos taken. 5.0 Tips You ll get better information if residents do not know that you are assessing their community. Try to discover the great things about the community, as well as its weaknesses. Feel free to record additional community strengths and weaknesses not included on the questionnaire. Appear to be shopping, conducting business, or making a social visit. Strike up casual conversations with residents. Be observant. Enjoy yourself. First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 5

8 6.0 First Impressions Community Exchange Questionnaire About the Questionnaire While you are answering the questions in the guide, remember there may be variations to the questions that are better suited to the community you are visiting. Use your best judgment. When you are asked to rate something, use the following guide: 1 - needs urgent /action needs improvement 5 - satisfactory good/very good 10 - excellent 1. Name of Community Visited 2. List of Team Members 6 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

9 3. Before the Visit What materials or information did you review prior to your visit? Website Business Brochures Community Profile Maps Tourism Guide Other What is your impression of the community (before your visit) based on the information that you received and what you have heard about this community? What are you expecting to see? What do you know about this community? (Each member of the visitation team should complete this prior to the exchange visit.) First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 7

10 4. The Five-Minute Impression After taking a five-minute drive through the community, what was your first impression? 5. Using Your Senses As you complete the questionnaire, take note of how you might describe the community using your senses. Taste Was there any specialty food item, bakery, restaurant or candy store that you remember? 8 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

11 Smell Is there a scent that characterizes the community? Sight Was there any colourful or striking feature that made an impression on you? Sound What sounds did you hear? Please comment on the level of noise in the community. First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 9

12 6. Community Entrances Road/Highway Approach the community from the major entrances. Rate and comment on each entrance. ENTRANCE #1 (road name and direction) How favourable an impression of the community does this entrance provide? 10 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

13 ENTRANCE #2 (road name and direction) How favourable an impression of the community does this entrance provide? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 11

14 ENTRANCE #3 (road name and direction) How favourable an impression of the community does this entrance provide? 12 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

15 ENTRANCE #4 (road name and direction) How favourable an impression of the community does this entrance provide? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 13

16 7. Housing and Residential Areas Drive through as many neighbourhoods as possible, including the downtown. How would you rate the overall quality, affordability and availability of housing in the community? RATING TYPE (1-10) OF HOUSING existing/older homes senior citizen housing new construction apartments/rental housing Is there an adequate mix of housing to suit a variety of income levels? What are the most appealing features of the housing in this community? Why? 14 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

17 What are the least appealing features of housing in the community? Why? Please comment on the quality and availability of residential infrastructure (ex: roads, sidewalks, lighting, public transportation and green space). How would you rate the overall appeal of housing to the following groups? RATING GROUP (1-10) low income middle income high income single young adults young families senior citizen First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 15

18 8. Education/Health/Social/Emergency Services 8.1 Education Comment on the availability and appearance of schools. pre-school/daycare primary/elementary high school 16 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

19 What do residents (young and old) think about the quality and availability of their local schools? Overall, how would you rate the quality and availability of schools for a community of this size? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 17

20 8.2 Health Care Services Comment on the availability and apparent quality of healthcare facilities. hospitals: physician and dentist offices and clinics: long-term care and nursing homes: 18 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

21 other health services (e.g., chiropractor, physiotherapy, naturopath, massage) Overall, how would you rate the adequacy of health care services of a community of this size? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 19

22 8.3 Social Services What social services (E.g., day care, seniors centres, counseling) are available in the community? What types of not-for-profit organizations and clubs are within the community? What role does each organization or club play in the community? 20 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

23 8.4 Emergency Services Do residents feel fire, ambulance and policing services are adequate? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 21

24 9. Local Economy What is your impression of the overall health of the local economy? 9.1 Retail and Business Services Visit as many businesses as possible. Rate and comment on the overall appearance of the main business area. 22 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

25 Rate and comment on the variety of shopping opportunities in the main business area. Rate and comment on the customer service you received. First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 23

26 Rate and comment on the signs in the main business area. Rate and comment on the window displays in the main business area. 24 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

27 Rate and comment on the variety and quality of merchandise in the main business area. Comment on the mix of facilities and services in the community area (E.g., housing, professional services, skilled services, trades, retail, recreation, accommodation and food, industry, parks) First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 25

28 Rate and comment on the quality and availability of parking in the main business area. Rate and comment on the safety (E.g., lighting, sidewalks, accessibility) of the community. 26 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

29 9.2 General Information About Retail and Business Services Describe the mix of retail and business services throughout the community. What retail goods do not appear available to local residents? What stores or services were missing that you would expect to find? What retail stores or services did you find that were unusual or unexpected for a town of this size? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 27

30 Are there stores in this community that would attract shoppers from a distance of more than 40 kilometres? Comment on the curb appeal/attractiveness of the downtown retail area. Rate the overall condition of the main business area. 28 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

31 9.3 Local Industries What are the major industries in the community or area? Who do you think are the major employers in the community? What are the major types of primary industry in the community (E.g., agriculture, mining, forestry or fishing)? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 29

32 Is the community noticeably dependent on any one type of industry? If so, please comment. Is there an industrial park or serviced land where industries could locate or expand? Explain. Are the industrial facilities well maintained? Explain. 30 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

33 Would this community be an attractive location for industrial development? Why or why not? 10. Professional/Commercial and Government Services 10.1 Professional Services Are banks and ATMs conveniently located? Do the banks have convenient hours of service (including business and retail services)? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 31

34 How would you rate the adequacy of financial services for a community of this size? What other professional services are available (E.g., accounting, legal)? Are there any professional services missing? Be specific Commercial Services What types of commercial businesses service the local community (E.g., high-speed Internet provider)? 32 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

35 What commercial services are missing in the community (E.g., print shop, industrial cleaning service)? 10.3 Local Government Information Are municipal offices conveniently located? Please comment. How would you rate the availability and quality of the following information provided by the municipal government? community brochure/guide: First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 33

36 business directory: community profile (including business and industrial opportunities): 34 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

37 If applicable, were you able to find adequate information to make informed retail, commercial and/or industrial business investment decisions? (Answer only if you played the role of a potential business investor.) 11. Public Infrastructure and Planning 11.1 Public Infrastructure Rate each of the following for quality, accessibility, or availability where relevant. sidewalks: First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 35

38 streets: landscaping, trees: 36 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

39 public restrooms: street signs: First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 37

40 pay phones, drinking fountains, benches: 11.2 Planning Do you see any conflicting land uses in the community (E.g., residential subdivision next to a heavy industry?) Are all land uses appropriate (commercial, residential, green space, etc.)? Specify where land uses are not appropriate. 38 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

41 Are community facilities and infrastructure generally accessible for people with disabilities? Please comment. 12. Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Faith, Entertainment and Recreation Does the community have a strong tourism sector? Please comment. Does the community have a slogan/brand? If so, what is it? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 39

42 Is the community well known for an attraction, event or festival? Are there any events/festivals, held annually? Have you seen any attractions (natural or man-made) that could be developed to draw tourists? Rate and comment on the quality and appearance of existing tourist attractions. 40 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

43 Do you consider any of the existing attractions to be underdeveloped? Please comment Services for Tourists Is there a visitor s center, chamber of commerce office, or other facility to serve tourists? Please comment on the staff, facilities, location, signs, marketing material, maps, etc. Comment on the availability and selection of accommodation in the community. First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 41

44 Are there facilities to accommodate a conference and/or a large number of visitors? Rate and comment on the quality and availability of public restrooms. Rate and comment on the quality of restaurants. 42 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

45 Rate and comment of the variety/mix of restaurants. Where do local residents recommend as places to stay, eat and visit? What local restaurant, specialty shop or attraction would bring you back to this community in the near future? Why? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 43

46 12.2 Culture and Heritage What community events are popular with residents? What other opportunities might exist for community activities or events? Does the community have any heritage buildings? Are they well maintained? 44 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

47 12.3 Faith/Religion Comment on the number, appearance and selection of religious buildings in the community. Are there any outstanding architectural or design features of religious buildings you visited? What is your overall impression of the religious buildings you visited? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 45

48 12.4 Entertainment What does the community do for entertainment? What entertainment opportunities do residents feel they lack? 12.5 Recreation Facilities Rate and comment on the availability, and appearance, of each of the following types of recreational facilities. parks: 46 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

49 public recreation facilities: private recreation facilities: Based on your impression, what do people in this community appear to do for recreation? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 47

50 What recreational facility (private or public) in this community surprised you? What recreational activities or facilities seemed to be missing? Rate the overall suitability of the recreational facilities for each of the following groups. Suitability (rating 1-10) Group senior citizen families singles, young adults teens children (6-13 ) preschool 48 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

51 13. Information from Community Residents Comment on the quality of information and assistance provided by residents and employees of local businesses. Did they refer you to someone else who would help? If yes, who? In general, did residents you spoke with have a positive or negative attitude toward their community? Why? Did you sense community pride? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 49

52 Did residents identify any particular issues to be of major concern (e.g., safety)? Overall, how would you rate the knowledge-ability of community residents and business employees about the community and their willingness to share information? 50 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

53 13.1 Other Observations How would you describe the overall environmental health of the community (E.g., air quality, litter, noise pollution, etc.)? What, if anything, did you experience that had a particularly negative or positive effect on your impression of the community? Be specific. First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 51

54 14. Wrap-Up Group Questionnaire The following questions should be discussed and answered as a group. Was your perception before the visit accurate? In what ways was the community different from what you expected? Did the information you collected before the visit accurately reflect what you observed/experience? Why or why not? What is the most outstanding feature of this community? 52 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

55 How would you describe the demographic make-up of the community (e.g., primarily a retirement community, large youth population, etc.)? Would you consider this a suitable location for a young family? Why or why not? Would you consider this a suitable location for a retired person? Why or why not? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 53

56 Would you consider this a suitable location for a young single adult? Why or why not? Would you consider visiting this community as a tourist? Why or why not? Would you consider locating your retail or service business here? Why or why not? 54 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

57 Would you consider locating a manufacturing business here? Why or why not? List five positive things you observed about this community What are three potential opportunities available to the community? First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 55

58 What are the five biggest obstacles/challenges facing this community? What will you remember most about this community six months from now (positive or negative)? What have you learned here that has changed your impression of your own community? 56 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

59 Has this experience given you any new ideas about what is needed in your own community? Describe one idea that you will borrow to use in your own business/community? Describe how you will start to implement it within the next 72 hours. First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 57

60 Other comments: 58 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

61 15. First Impressions Community Exchange Photo Log Photographer s Name: Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide 59

62 Photographer s Name: Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location Photo # Description Location 60 First Impressions Community Exchange Visitation Team Guide

63 16. Notes

204-523-2194 or 204-523-5260 Central Plains 204-723-0072 Red River 204-823-0056 Eastman 204-268-6067 South

64 First Impressions Community Exchange Program Participating Growing Opportunities (GO) Team offices: Southwest South Parkland North Parkland Valleys North Pembina or Central Plains Red River Eastman South Interlake North Interlake Prepared by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives ESR

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